Cobras, geckos seized at JFK airport mail facility

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents encountered a slithery surprise when investigating a suspicious package at Kennedy International Airport's mail facility.

Officials seized five live king cobras and three geckos that were stuffed in a round container on June 29, The Associated Press reported.

Explore>> Read more trending stories

Agents said the package from Hong Kong was labeled, "plastic tray.”

The reptiles were sent to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for further investigation, the agency said in a news release.

King cobras are the world’s largest venomous snakes and can grow to nearly 19 feet, The Associated Press reported.

About the Author

Joy Johnston, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Meet some of metro Atlanta’s 2025 best all-around high school seniors

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Cup began in 1927 and is one of the oldest news organization award programs in the country, honoring very special high school graduates.

GOP tax bill could make EVs more expensive, hit Georgia’s auto sector

A GOP-backed tax bill passed by the House on Friday aims to roll back federal clean energy incentives — a move critics warn could jeopardize EV and battery investments.

Boil water advisory lifted in west Buckhead after earlier outages

The outage affected approximately 80 homes and businesses and eight fire hydrants in the area near I-75, Northside Parkway and Howell Mill Road.

The Latest

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

A.M. ATL: Still scattered by the storm

A.M. ATL: Return to office battle

AJC CUP

Meet some of metro Atlanta’s 2025 best all-around high school seniors

Featured

Credit: Dan Anderson/AP

Trump’s pardons may backfire, former federal prosecutors warn

The president's actions could erode faith in the justice system and deter federal investigators and prosecutors, Atlanta attorneys say.

A Georgia kid placed 3rd in national spelling bee. He hopes to return in 2026.

Georgia fifth grader Sarv Dharavane placed third in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the youngest participant to make the final round.

South Georgia mayor among those arrested, indicted for election interference

Prosecutors say Owens and the 2 election officials improperly blocked voters from casting ballots in a special election. Polling places were locked the morning of the vote.